What do Kid Rock and Bridgepointe Have in Common?

I have never been a big fan of Kid Rock’s music but as a huge fan of Detroit, I have always admired the spirit and enthusiasm he has for his hometown.  I had heard how entertaining his concerts are and that he rallies his fans around his favorite cause, the Motor City.  So, when an opportunity came to see him accompanied by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at the Fox Theatre, I knew it would be an unforgettable night!

During 2 hours of non-stop, unique and exhilarating entertainment, those of us in the sold-out crowd knew that we were part of something surreal, but special.

The evening came together when Dan Gilbert of Quicken Loans suggested that Kid Rock might be willing to participate in a benefit to raise the $1 million needed to keep the DSO operating. Mr. Gilbert then acted on this idea, called Kid Rock and he readily agreed.  The Illitch family chipped in by lending the iconic Fox Theatre to the evening and together they did raise over $1 million to keep the DSO playing for us.

One member of the community having a good idea and acting on it to bring about change.  Reminds me of Ghandi’s famous statement “Be the Change you wish to see in the world”.  

I couldn’t help thinking about another organization whose very mission is to bring help to the schools in the city of Detroit: Bridgepointe.  Founded by two women in Northville, Sue Simcox and Diane Powers, the purpose of this group is to identify areas of need in Detroit’s public schools and harness the heart and hands of people around metropolitan Detroit to come downtown and help out.  What is special about the “bridge” they have built, is that their service doesn’t just benefit the families of Detroit, but also those of us who would love to help out, but just don’t know how.

I love “can-do” people. People that make change happen. Those who raise their hands and say “I will” when no one else is volunteering.  And fortunately, these can-do people end up bringing many of us along for the ride and giving us an opportunity to be a part of something honorable and good. As my favorite author on Spirituality, Mary Baker Eddy, writes, “Goodness never fails to receive its reward, for goodness makes life a blessing.”